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Rh a long talk with Gene and his stepfather, which removed his last lingering doubts as to the latter's complete innocence.

He retired no wiser than on the previous night; but with the morning a fresh decision had come, and he was back at the Meade house before the family had breakfasted.

Cissie was no better. He learned that she had passed a very bad night and her suffering and nausea had increased. With a very grave face the detective went to Rannie's door and knocked authoritatively. This time the familiar, querulous voice bade him enter; and he found the boy curled up upon the couch with a book, which he hastily thrust under the pillows at Odell's appearance.

"So you spoiled Gerda's little game." Rannie smiled his twisted smile. "I'm curious to know how you found out who she was."

"That was not difficult," the detective responded with an answering smile. "She told me at my first interview with her that she had been in a certain rather unusual place at a certain time; and when I learned that Mrs. Gael had been there also I put two and two together. I don't think you will see her or Farley Drew again. Have you had another bad turn?"

Rannie stiffened against the sympathy in the friendly voice.

"Nothing unusual," he replied in a surly tone. "I only want to be let alone."

"I'm sorry. I won't stay long, my boy; but I want you to help me." Odell drew up a chair beside the couch and seated himself. "I don't know how good a toxicologist you are as well as a bacteriologist, but I fancy you have our friend Doctor Adams beaten a mile."